Work to restore the War Memorial in Alexandra Park, in preparation for the Remembrance Day Service on Sunday 11th November is well underway.
The Memorial is of huge significance, and was unveiled by the Earl of Caven in March 1922. As well as commemorating those that gave their lives in the two World Wars and campaigns since, it is also a fine memorial in itself, the bronze statue being designed by Margaret Winser of Tenterden, a pupil of Rodin.
The bronze plaques commemorating those that died in action during the First Great War are mounted on the lower plinth and those that perished in the Second World War are found on the upper face of the plinth.
Over the years the memorial has been modified by infilling the upper plinth and through the painting of the limestone to counter the effects of the green staining from the bronze. The uptake of water has also caused the concrete and some of the stonework to degrade, leading to the flaking of the painted surface.
The Memorial itself has been repointed and painted, and a number of other improvements were made during September. They included improving the grass around the memorial, and reinforcing the turf; draining the area; painting the fencing around the memorial; and widening the path leading to the memorial.
Hastings Borough Council is working closely with the Ex Servicemen's Association in carrying out this work, and will liaise with them over the next phase of the work, which will include the full restoration of the memorial.
Councillor Godfrey Daniel, Chair of the Custodians of Alexandra Park, welcomes the work.
"This memorial is a fitting tribute to the memory of the many townsfolk who laid down their lives in defence of their town and country. All who are working to help improve Alexandra Park recognise the significance of this memorial and will do everything possible to ensure that it will be restored to its full glory. It will be an especially gratifying moment for me, and many others, when once again the memorial service takes place in, thankfully, a much improved setting in Alexandra Park on 11th November this year".
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This page last updated: 15/10/2001